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All but four of the locks are in the bottom half below Braunston. Slightly north of Rugby are the three Hillmorton Locks and the final lock at Hawkesbury Junction where the Oxford Canal meets the Coventry Canal.
Joining the River Thames via Dukes Lock and Dukes Cut near Wolvercote.
Our 'Lock Count' includes Lock 44a on Dukes Cut and Lock 56 Isis Lock, both of which connect the Oxford Canal to the River Thames at different points.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductIt remains one of the most scenic and historic routes for today’s narrowboaters. Winding its way through the picturesque heart of England, this canal blends peaceful rural cruising with rich industrial heritage. Whether you're a liveaboard, weekend cruiser, or continuous cruiser, the Oxford Canal offers a quintessentially British waterway experience.
The conception of the Oxford Canal dates back to 1769, born from a growing need to transport coal from the Midlands to Oxford and beyond. Construction began under the direction of engineer James Brindley, one of the most influential figures in canal history.
Brindley, known for his winding contour-following routes that avoided expensive cuttings and embankments, oversaw the early works. However, after his death in 1772, Samuel Simcock and later Robert Whitworth continued his vision. The canal was officially completed in 1790, linking Coventry in the north to Oxford in the south.
Braunston – The Canal Crossroads
Today’s boaters recognize Braunston as a vital hub, marking the junction with the Grand Union Canal. Here, re-engineering efforts took place in the early 19th century, straightening and shortening the canal to improve efficiency. Although some original meanders were lost, the charming nature of the Oxford Canal remained intact.
Newbold Tunnel
Near Rugby, narrowboaters today pass through the Newbold Tunnel, a key engineering upgrade completed in 1834. It replaced an earlier tunnel and helped straighten the route, contributing to faster travel for historic working boats. Its wide bore and atmospheric lighting make it a highlight of the northern Oxford section.
Hillmorton Locks
Boaters navigating the Hillmorton Locks, near Rugby, will notice a rare feature — twin paired locks. These were built to reduce congestion during the canal’s peak usage in the 19th century. Today, they continue to serve narrowboaters efficiently, especially during busy summer cruising months.
For modern canal users, the Oxford Canal offers a perfect blend of history, scenery, and navigational charm. Its winding contour route — especially south of Napton — delights for those seeking a slower pace and immersive experience.
Key features include:
Rural Moorings: From wild mooring spots to quiet visitor moorings near idyllic villages.
Heritage Structures: Original bridges, lock cottages, and mileposts still stand, evoking a bygone age.
Canal-Side Pubs & Services: The route is dotted with welcoming pubs, marinas, and boatyards, including at Thrupp, Banbury, and Cropredy.
Boating Events: Popular boating festivals, such as the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally, celebrate working boats and traditional crafts.
From Decline to Restoration: A Boater’s Perspective
Following the rise of the railway in the mid-19th century, commercial use of the Oxford Canal dwindled. Like many British waterways, it faced decades of neglect through the early 20th century. By the 1950s, much of the canal was silted, overgrown, and impassable in places.
However, thanks to the determined efforts of canal societies, volunteers, and enthusiasts, the Oxford Canal saw a revival. By the 1970s, restoration efforts brought life back to the water, preserving it as a leisure route. Today, under the stewardship of the Canal & River Trust, it is a thriving artery for recreational boating.
Whether you’re heading north toward Coventry or south to the Thames at Oxford, the canal remains navigable for modern narrowboats, with a maximum length of 72 feet and a beam of 6 feet 10 inches. It’s a favoured route for both hire boaters and liveaboards, offering peaceful cruising and historic character in equal measure.
For today’s narrowboaters and canal users, the Oxford Canal is more than a route — it’s a journey through time. With every lock, tunnel, and meander, you’ll trace the legacy of the engineers who shaped it and the boaters who kept it alive. Whether you're cruising solo, with family, or as part of a convoy of friends, the Oxford Canal is a true gem in Britain’s inland waterways network.
| Lock # | Lock Name | Rise/Fall |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawkesbury Stop Lock (connects to the Coventry Canal) | 1 ft |
| 2–7 | Hillmorton Locks (3 pairs of locks) | 18 ft 7 in |
| 8–16 | Napton Locks | 49 ft 1 in |
| 17–21 | Claydon Locks | 30 ft 6 in |
| 22 | Elkington's Lock | 6 ft 5 in |
| 23 | Varney's Lock | 5 ft 10 in |
| 24 | Broadmoor Lock | 7 ft 3 in |
| 25 | Cropredy Lock | 5 ft 6 in |
| 26 | Slat Mill Lock | 8 ft 0 in |
| 27 | Bourton Lock | 6 ft 5 in |
| 28 | Hardwick Lock | 7 ft 6 in |
| 29 | Banbury Lock | 5 ft 10 in |
| 30 | Grant's Lock | 9 ft 6 in |
| 31 | King's Sutton Lock | 10 ft 8 in |
| 32 | Nell Bridge Lock | 8 ft 8 in |
| 33 | Aynho Weir Lock | 1 ft |
| 34 | Somerton Deep Lock | 12 ft |
| 35 | Heyford Common Lock | 7 ft 2 in |
| 36 | Allen's Lock | 5 ft |
| 37 | Dashwood Lock | 9 ft 3 in |
| 38 | Northbrook Lock | 5 ft |
| 39 | Pigeon Lock | 8 ft 4 in |
| 40 | Baker's Lock | 8 ft 6 in |
| 41 | Shipton Weir Lock | 2 ft 5 in |
| 42 | Roundham Lock | 7 ft 5 in |
| 43 | Kidlington Green Lock | 4 ft 9 in |
| 44 | Duke's Lock | 5 ft 4 in |
| 44A | Duke's Cut Lock (River Thames Link) | 3 ft 4 in |
| 45 | Wolvercote Lock | 3 ft 8 in |
| 46 | Isis Lock (Thames link via Sheepwash Channel) | 3 ft 6 in |
Users of the information displayed in this website or in websites linked to directly or indirectly, do so on the basis that it is a guide only. I Do Canals or its directors, partners or associates do not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions, costs incurred or disappointments of any kind what-so-ever. It is the users responsibility to check directly with any services, displayed, listed or linked to in or from this website, or associated parties with regards to (but not limited to) directions, costs, facilities, services, hospitality, availability, accommodation, etc. There is no implied recommendation for any of the entries or firms listed, nor is any criticism implied for any entry or firm not yet listed.
We have added 103 Waterways and there are 3051 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
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